Four city councilors have signed onto the charter change to be enforced by a fine.

By definition, a semi-automatic assault weapon is a self-loading firearm that shoots one bullet per trigger-pull. A high capacity, or large capacity, magazine, is a cartridge holding several bullets.

The resolution comes following “the multitude of incidents in the recent past during which innocent bystanders, attendees at movie theaters, gatherers at political events, school children, and others have been fatally killed by individuals wielding and firing semi-automatic weapons,” it reads.

While supporting gun rights, councilors said they need to step in order to “promote the common good and to protect the members of the community.”

It also offers potential scenarios under current law, “the Council is aware that, under the current state of the federal and Vermont laws, a person … could be seen by a Burlington Police Officer walking with a semi-automatic assault weapon and carrying multiple-ammo clips towards one of our public schools, and until that person was actually on school property, that person’s actions would be totally legal and beyond the capacity of the police to intervene.”

Ian Galbraith, a gun collector, opposes the idea.

“I think considering that I have always been responsible with these weapons,” he said.

“Most other people are, and there's no reason to think I wouldn't continue to be responsible.”

Scott Chapman, who uses semi-automatic weapons through recreation, also said a change to the city’s charter would not do much in terms of gun control.

“Because somebody possesses something that is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States or the state of Vermont, does not necessarily make them probable to commit an act with,” Chapman said.

It is unclear if the charter change would have any legal standing. Both the federal and state constitutions call for “the right to bear arms.”

Even more specifically, a state statute reads in part, “except as otherwise provided by law, no town, city or incorporated village, by ordinance, resolution or other enactment, shall directly regulate… firearms, ammunition or components of firearms or ammunition.”

Both Galbraith and Chapman said even if the charter were to go into effect, criminals looking for these weapons and magazines would be able to get them, effectively harming those who operate the firearms safely.

We posed the question on Facebook. A majority of respondents said they opposed the ban.

"Way to vague, banning semi-auto," said Scott Shafer. "I own several and a couple have been passed down to me through my family. Why should I have to give up family heirlooms."

"There's little chance that this ban would be beneficial to anyone," said Jenn Barber. "The easiest semi-auto weapons to find are held by those who followed the laws in the first place to obtain them."

Many people are agreed with Galbraith and Chapman that it's not the weapon, it's the person pulling the trigger.

"Not all semi-automatics are at fault," said Fred Colegrove, Jr. "Anything over 10 shots is really dangerous so don't put the blame on all semi-guns. Deranged minds are at fault, not the guns."

However, some said the weapons have no place in Vermont's largest city.

"Why on earth would anyone need a semi-automatic weapon in the city of Burlington?" said Courtney Chandler. "That is the funniest thing I have read in weeks."

"I am totally in favor of a ban on semi-automatic (and automatic) weapons," said Deborah Wiggin Matthews. "I personally do not own a gun nor do I desire to own a gun. But clearly there are people who do. However, I see no need for a automatic or semi-automatic weapon. If you are an accurate marksman, all you need is one shot."

“Hopefully the main thing that will come out of this is debating other aspects of public safety and firearms,” Galbraith said.

“Mere possession of a firearm does not mean a person is going to misuse it, and we need to find out how to balance that,” Chapman said.

The issue is not limited to Burlington.

In Albany, Senate Republicans are looking to strengthen Kendra’s Law, which authorizes court-ordered mental health treatment for individuals who won't seek help but are deemed to be a safety threat, the Associated Press reported.

New York Senate Democrats also told the Associates Press his caucus and the governor need “to do everything possible to ban assault weapons in New York.”

In New Hampshire, Newly-inaugurated Gov. Maggie Hassan said she wants to take a look at gun safety.

In Vermont, however, Gov. Peter Shumlin said the gun issue should be left to the federal government.

Councilors will take up the issue at Monday night’s city council meeting at Burlington City Hall.

Councilor Norm Blais, D-Ward 6, who first proposed the ban, was unavailable for comment Sunday.